History of La Casa Hogar

In 1986, Patty Houts Hussey and leaders of 35 faith communities established a vision for the Yakima Interfaith Coalition that would daily serve over 50 low-income neighbors throughout Yakima. By 1988, the Yakima Interfaith Coalition became a 501c3 nonprofit charity. La Casa Hogar was envisioned by Ninfa Gutierrez as a “home” for Latina women and children to find community and pursue education to strengthen themselves, their families and this community. The work and dreams of Gloria de Martinez, an educator in the Yakima School District, served as a model of hope for developing this vision. The Sisters of Providence believed in this vision and gifted the current house to the Yakima Interfaith Coalition to serve as the space for “La Casa Hogar.” Under the direction of the second Executive Director, Rosanne Fisher-Pineda, both basic needs and educational services were strengthened.

In 2011, the emergency services department was transferred to Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. By 2012, “La Casa Hogar” became the official name of the organization, remaining focused on the mission of educational services for immigrant families and extending relationships with business, faith, education and health and the general community.

Today

We’re proud of our culture

Today we are a thriving “second home” for immigrant families. They are committed to improving themselves, their families and this community through three programs: Early Learning, Citizenship and Naturalization, and Adult Education. The preschool children participate in a structured pre-school program, developing pre-literacy and social behavioral skills for school readiness. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an integral part of the learning activities. Parents are a deeply involved in their children’s learning, and learn skills and gain confidence to support their children’s success.

La Casa has been selected twice for the Community Impact Award from United Way of Central Washington in 2001-02 and 2012-13. La Casa is also a recognized agency by the Board of Immigration Appeals, a distinction afforded to only 6 organizations on the east side of the Cascade mountains.